The Settling of Scores

Chapter 6

            Avery escorted a quiet Priscilla to his study after they gave Hitchings their wraps. First seeing her seated by the fireplace he poured them each a brandy he stood by the mantel with his glass in his hand after handing Priscilla hers. Avery couldn't read her face to know what Priscilla was now thinking, it was as if she'd made sure her face showed no emotion at all.

            "I told you I'd wanted to kiss you since that first night when you came to my rescue with the fireplace poker," Avery said smiling. "Over the time we've spent since that night together, Priscilla, I've grown very fond of you." He took a deep drink from his glass as she looked at him. His nerve seemed to be leaving him and he knew he would probably make a cake of himself with his proposal. "Very fond," he reiterated. "I think we suit each other well."

            Here it comes, Priscilla thought. He isn't going to like the names I'll call him.

            "Therefore, Priscilla, I would be honored if you would consent to become my wife," Avery told her.

            "Wife?" she squeaked jumping up from her chair nearly spilling her glass of brandy. "Wife?"

            "What did you think I was going to ask you?" Avery asked her his brow rose in question knowing what she thought.

            "Ah…you surprised me," she told him and it was the truth, just not all of it. She frowned. "You want me to marry you?"

            "Isn't that just what I asked?" Avery said sitting his glass on the mantel

            "Yes…yes it is," she replied giving him a brilliant smile. "Oh, Avery, I would be honored to become your wife." She knew she didn't love him but she did have genuine affection for him. She and Jason had built a good marriage on their affection for one another and she felt more for Captain Avery Murphy then she ever felt for Jason.

            Avery swept her up in his arms and kissed her soundly.

            "Will three days be enough time?" he asked her. "We can be married on Monday. Tell Mrs. Pointer to rush your wedding dress, cost is no object."

            Priscilla chuckled. "Monday will be fine but in one of the upstairs bedchambers is a beautiful peach gown that will do very nicely as my wedding dress." She smiled at him. "Some very smart man made sure it came with everything I need for my wedding day."

            "When you look at me like that Priscilla, I'm not sure I'll survive three lonely nights without you."

            "They say waiting is a good for the soul," she teased him. "Just think, Avery, how wonderful our wedding night will be."

            "I know there is a bedchamber in this house next to mine for a wife, Priscilla, but be forewarned that you will never sleep there. Once we marry, we will always share the same bed. You can however use it for the dressing room and bath if you wish."

            "I’ll have my belongings moved there," she told him. "I never planned on sleeping anywhere but with you."

            "Good," he replied and kissed her again. This time it was a long slow kiss, which left her breathless. "We'd better stop this or I won't be responsible for my actions when I throw you over my shoulder and take you to my bed."

            Priscilla sat down on a chair with Avery taking the one across from her. She knew she had a silly smile plastered on her face. She couldn't seem to stop smiling. She was going to marry a wonderful man, she would never worry about money again, and she would be living the life she once dreamed of having. She was happier than she'd been in years.